Des Plaines, IL vs Edwardsville, IL

Edwardsville is moderately more affordable than Des Plaines, with a 12.1% lower cost of living index. Des Plaines scores 105 compared to 94 for Edwardsville, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Des Plaines can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Des Plaines is $1,435/month compared to $1,231/month in Edwardsville — a 17% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Edwardsville is more affordable at $286,700 median vs $318,200.

Median household income in Des Plaines is $94,303 compared to $92,671 in Edwardsville (+1.8%). Des Plaines does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Des Plaines spend roughly 18.3% of their income on rent, more than the 15.9% in Edwardsville.